The never ending fight against those around you.

For many, fitness is not just about losing weight, getting healthier, learning to love our bodies, to become stronger physically and mentally, but also a non-stop fight against every element that gets on our way. And when I say element, I'm also referring to close friends and family members.

It seems we only need to make the decision to get fit, for whatever reason that may be, so our loved ones begin to sabotage our journey both verbally and physically. Actions such as buying food they know we can't be eating, inviting us to restaurants, bars, barbecues, and all kind of things will make our journey even harder, especially for those who haven't gained enough mental strength to fight the cravings and firmly say no!

Then we have the verbal sabotage. Comments like you're not going to stick with it, you're not going to make it, you're going to hurt yourself, is not worth it, why do you even try?, you will get sick for not eating enough, one time won't affect you at all, you're wasting your time, you're working out too much, you'll end up like someone I know with health issues and injuries because they worked out as much as you do, you will aggravate your health issues, you'll make things worse, and the list goes on and on.

Some of these people might do things like this unconsciously, while some others do it on purpose. Why, you would ask yourself. Why would they do such things even when they're the closest people to you, the ones that are supposed to care and support you. I dare to say, because of their lack strength, lack of will and because of their own failure. Some people say you see in others a projection of yourself. If this is true, then it makes total sense. While those who are fit will help you and try to push you so you can achieve your goals, those who aren't and have no interest in being fit, will try to drag you with them and hold you from accomplishing your fitness goals.

For instance, I love my father, and I know he is the kind of person who tries to sabotage my training unconsciously. When he was younger, he would workout at home, and would stay active. As he has grown older, he has become more of a negative person, and always has something destructive to say about my workout routines and my fitness goals.

For instance, I'm currently fighting ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome), and I refuse to give up and not do whatever it takes to eliminate it or at least reduce the symptoms as much as possible. Aside from using foam rollers, and doing stretching, I'm also doing walk/run intervals which has gotten me from barely half mile maximum before I would be in major pain to 4.09 miles which I did today, just experiencing a minor discomfort by the end of it. What was my dad's comment? You'll end up making it worse and when you get older you won't be able to walk. Are you serious dad? You're telling me that a 3.5 miles improvement is actually a making it worse?

Just like my own example, I know many of you have to deal with similar issues, and this is what I have to say to all of you. It doesn't matter who that person is, whether is dad, mom, husband or wife, brother or sister, cousin or best friend, don't EVER let them put you down. Use their negativity as fuel to prove them wrong, even if you never tell them they were. Let their actions and comments be one more reason for you to push harder, and succeed in your mission. It is you and only you who have control over how bad you want it and the desire reach the end of your journey.

Some advices I'll give you, based on my own experience are:

- Don't waste your time and energy justifying your actions. Use that energy to mentally get stronger.
- As happy as you may be for accomplishing something new or breaking a fitness barrier, don't go to those people hoping they'll celebrate you and share your happiness. Avoid the disappointment. Instead, share it with those who care, like your friends here in MFP.
- Don't expect them to understand you or help you. It's ok, just let them be.
- If you cook for them and they don't want to eat your healthy dishes, that's fine, give them what you want, and you eat what is right for you. And if they cook for you, I guess it is time for you to start cooking your own food. There's nothing wrong with that, in fact, it is a great thing to do.

If any of you have more advices to share, please, feel free to post them here.

Last but not least…. Be strong and never give up!

ps. I'm sure there are plenty of grammar mistakes in what I wrote and some are OCD enough to notice. English is not my native language and I went to school to study the language, therefore sorry if that's the case.